PFAS

Ongoing — Monitoring
Where this stands: The Senate Select Committee has reported and the Commonwealth has begun legal action against 3M, but that addresses just one of 47 recommendations. Health monitoring, treatment and compensation for current and retired aviation firefighters remain unresolved. The UFUAV continues to pursue this on behalf of members and will update this hub as developments occur. Hub updated September 2026

What is the PFAS issue?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are persistent chemicals that were used for decades in aqueous film-forming firefighting foams at Australian airports. Aviation firefighters trained with and used these foams as a routine part of the job, and PFAS contamination has since been identified at ARFFS sites around the country.

The UFUA Aviation Branch has consistently advocated for proper health monitoring, transparent disclosure of exposure and contamination data, and recognition and support for members and retired members affected by PFAS exposure. This hub brings together the union's submissions, bulletins and resources in one place.

At a glance

III
Rounds of member blood testing under the PFAS Exposure Study
2024
UFUA Aviation Branch submission to the Senate PFAS inquiry
47
Select Committee recommendations the union says must be implemented in full

Key milestones

  • June 2026
    Commonwealth launches legal action against 3M
    The UFUA Aviation Branch welcomed the action but noted it addresses only 1 of the Select Committee's 47 recommendations, and called for it to be extended to cover affected firefighters. Read the statement →
  • November 2025
    Senate committee hands down final PFAS report
    Airport firefighters welcomed the committee's call for action. Read the media release →
  • July 2025
    UFU representatives appear before the Senate committee
    UFU gave evidence in person at the committee hearing. National Bulletin 004 →
  • April 2025
    PFAS Exposure Study III — new round of blood testing
    Members invited to take part in the third round of testing. Study flyer →
  • January 2024
    UFUA Aviation Branch lodges Senate inquiry submission
    Formal submission setting out the union's position on PFAS exposure and its impact on aviation firefighters. Read the submission →
  • 2020
    FOI decision, collated results and the UQ study
    Freedom of Information outcome on PFAS contamination, collated member testing results, and the University of Queensland study including retired members.

UFUA Aviation Branch statement on Commonwealth legal action against 3M

The Branch welcomes the Commonwealth's legal action against 3M, but says it must be extended to cover affected firefighters.